Securing the Gift & Donor Relations Flashcards

A donor asks that their gift remain anonymous. What should the organization do?

Answer: Honor the request and limit disclosure to staff who need to know

Donor confidentiality and anonymity requests must be honored per the Donor Bill of Rights.

A donor's employer offers a matching gift program. What is the fundraiser's best action?

Answer: Encourage the donor to submit the match request to double their impact

Promoting employer matching gifts increases revenue at no extra cost to the donor.

What is generally the most effective solicitation method for major gifts?

Answer: Face-to-face personal visit

Personal, face-to-face solicitation by the right person is the most effective for major gifts.

Which team of solicitors is generally most effective for a major gift visit?

Answer: A peer volunteer who has already given, paired with staff

Peers who have made their own gift lend credibility, while staff supply organizational knowledge.

After making the ask, what should the solicitor generally do next?

Answer: Stay silent and let the prospect respond

Pausing after the ask gives the prospect time to consider and respond.

A donor who was promised a recognition plaque never received it. What is the main risk?

Answer: Damaged trust and lower likelihood of future giving

Failing to fulfill recognition promises erodes trust and hurts donor retention.

Which practice most improves first-year donor retention?

Answer: Prompt thanks plus a follow-up showing impact before the next ask

Timely acknowledgment and impact reporting before the next appeal strongly boost first-year retention.